Update in Aids

An older man (around 65-70 years old) came in for a hearing aid consultation. He had a bilateral sensorineural moderate to severe loss, probably due to presbycusis. He had older linear hearing aids and was ready for an update!
First, the clinician performed speech testing. The SRT for the right ear was 30dB and the left was 35dB. The WR score for the right ear was 88% with the left ear being 80%. There was a significant change in discrimination in the clients left ear. It went from 68% from a previous testing session to 80%. The MCL for the right ear was 70dB and for the left ear was also 70dB. The LDL was 90dB for the right ear and also 90dB for the left ear.
The clinician and supervisor then lead the client into a different room to discuss different possibilities for aids. The supervisor recommended the Widex Micro Flash. This aid is a 5 channel open fit BTE, which allows for the lower frequencies to be heard more normally due to the canal being more naturally open. The clinician informed the client that each aid would cost $795 plus shipping and handling of $13. The aids can be fully refunded within 30 days of use. The shipping and handling costs are non-refundable. This brought up an interesting situation for the client. The client's daughter, in Venezuala, just had a baby. He and his wife had intentions to see the baby in Venezuela as soon as their health was in top shape. This brought on problems because the clinician explained that it was necessary for the client to be around for those 30 days, not only for adjustments, but in case the aid needed to be refunded. For this reason, the aids were not ordered today. The client decided to talk to his wife about the timing issue and come back in to order when the timing could be worked out. The client also had a few other questions concerning feedback, volume control, and the ability to feel the aid being worn. The supervisor and clinician helped sort out these questions.
The Widex website gives complete information on the Widex Flash Micro for professionals and consumers. (http://www.widex.com/) Click on "Products" and then "Flash." I also found a great website through eMecidine that explains hearing aids on a level better for our clients (and helpful for WVU first year grad. students!). Check it out! http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic478.htm